James Monroe's Highland to Host Virginia Folklife Program Apprenticeship Showcase on May 5

April 30, 2019 10:00 AM
Updated: April 30, 2019 11:03 AM

James Monroe's Highland to Host Virginia Folklife Program Apprenticeship Showcase on May 5

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Highland, the home of President James Monroe, will host Virginia Humanities' annual Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Showcase. This event will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2019, from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and is open to the public.
Now in its sixteenth year, the showcase is a free, family-friendly event that highlights the Commonwealth’s folk masters and apprentices from the Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program. The event celebrates the traditional music, crafts, and foodways of Virginia, introducing the public to the master artists and apprentices who keep the traditions alive. Guests will enjoy live musical performances and a dazzling display of engaging demonstrations at James Monroe's Highland—including a gospel music performance by Cora Harvey Armstrong and Samantha Wills, tortilla making with Luz and Princey Lopez, and hot rod rigging with Jeff and Jeremy Bennett.
“We are pleased to welcome old friends and first time guests to the Virginia Folklife Program’s Apprenticeship Showcase at Highland,” said Highland Executive Director, Sara Bon-Harper. “This public event is an excellent opportunity to connect with traditions cherished throughout Virginia.”
Additional event details, including performers, craftspeople, and the new class of master artists can be found at virginiafolklife.org.

About the Virginia Folklife Program

The Virginia Folklife Program, a public program of Virginia Humanities, is dedicated to the documentation, presentation, and support of Virginia’s rich cultural heritage. For more than twenty-five years, the program has documented the Commonwealth’s music and material traditions and shared those histories through hands-on workshops, performances, exhibitions, audio and video recordings, and apprenticeships across Virginia. For more information, visit virginiafolklife.org.

About James Monroe’s Highland

Highland, the home of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States, is adjacent to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia. Purchased by Monroe in 1793, the property was home to the Monroe family for nearly 25 years. Highland interprets the period of Monroe’s public career, including the historic experiences of enslaved African Americans who lived on the property. Acquired by William & Mary (Monroe’s alma mater) in 1974, Highland offers tours each day, hosts community and private events, and features a robust museum shop including a Virginia Artisans Room. For hours, directions and more information, visit highland.org or call 434-293-8000.